A Simple Word for Complex People

Thankful for the Abundance (Matthew 25:14-30)

All of us have skills that we have developed over time, but we also have been blessed with gifts from God. The things of God are the investment God has made in us, asking only that we, in turn, invest our love, mercy, forgiveness, reconciliation, and other gifts of God into others.

Ever Ready (Matthew 25:1-13)

All too often, we focus on whether we will be ready when the "roll is called up yonder" and we stand before God. But Jesus isn't just talking about being ready when you die. Jesus is calling us to be ready for whatever ministry moment may come. To do that, we need to remember why we're holding the lamp.

The Greatest (Matthew 23:1-12)

We have a great tendency to make everything about ourselves, don't we? It's not just the haughty who are guilty, however. God doesn't ask that we live out our faith as if we're equipped for any eventuality; God only asks us to be willing to live the faith life despite our lack of preparedness. Where we are insufficient, God always shines through.

Sounded Forth From You (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10)

In order for people to really know what we are about as individuals and as congregations of Christ followers, our actions must mimic or exceed the power of our words. Many of us do one or the other well. But, we need to do both.

A Calming Presence (Exodus 32:1-14)

The Israelites needed a calming presence. God even needed a calming presence. The world needs a calming presence. We are called to be that calming presence.

You Have Heard It Said (Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 14-20)

The Ten Commandments were set by God as the foundation for a newly redeemed people to learn how to live with one another, while also properly honoring God. They are the base level. Jesus calls us to advanced citizenship in the Kingdom of God, which is far beyond these base-level reflections of the Kingdom on earth.

Massah and Meribah (Exodus 17:1-7)

The Egyptians gave the people everything they needed to live. That's how they remembered it. When trouble pops up, it's easy to forget the crack of the whip or the bricks without straw. Don't romanticize what you left behind.

The Power of Remaining (Philippians 1:21-30)

Paul was writing from a place of imprisonment, but more than that, a place of despair. I know a bit about descending into despair, and I share some of that here. I can confirm that what Paul says is absolutely true -- there's power in remaining.

How Many Times? (Matthew 18:21-35)

This week's sermon! Forgiveness is maybe the most difficult thing we contend with as Christians. But, if we start from a different posture, the task becomes almost natural.

Reconciliation (Matthew 18:15-20)

The power of Christian community is in our being together. We are incomplete without one another.